With regard to napkins specifically, Ally Ravnaas of the Instagram account The Petite Party has a piece of advice. “Collect fun paper napkins for more casual happy hours, dinners, lunches,” she says. “Then invest in one long term linen set for formal occasions.” As a bonus, there are plenty of chic paper napkin designs on the market to match every theme, holiday, and season, so you’ll have your pick of festive options. And Instagrammer Rashida Banks considers placemats themselves unnecessary. “The material of the plates and other tableware against the tabletop surface provides a beautiful contrasting interest of color, textures, and finishes,” she says. “So ditch the placemats and expose your beautiful table top!” “Often it’s hard to resist seasonal serveware, especially around the holidays, but it’s something you can live without,” Shannon Calderon and Jenna Dail of The Busy Bee say. What’s a festive hostess to do instead? “We recommend investing in solid, neutral pieces, such as all-white platters, wooden cutting boards, and marble trays, so you can use them all year long and so they coordinate with any aesthetic you are trying to achieve,” Calderon and Dail say. They recommend conveying the holiday spirit through food and drink instead. “Prepare seasonal recipes to incorporate the colors of the season and allow the serveware pieces to highlight each menu item.”
